Selectively securable container apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A selectively securable container apparatus and method consists of a container with a lid where the container is sealed from opening when the lid is in a closed and locked position. A hook with a first size and an extension with a first end and a second end and a length, where the length has a second size and where the second size of the length is smaller than the first size of the hook, where the first end is connected with the container and the second end is connected with the hook and where the smaller second size of the length of the extension fits between a space between the bottom of a first object and the top of a second object but the first size of the hook is larger than the space.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of previously filed U.S. provisionalpatent application No. 61/823,721 filed Mar. 26, 2019 for a “SelectivelySecurable Container Apparatus and Method”. The Applicant hereby claimsthe benefit of this provisional application under 35 U.S.C. § 119. Theentire content of this provisional application is incorporated herein bythis reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention pertains to a selectively securable containerapparatus and method consisting of a container with a lid where thecontainer is sealed from opening when the lid is in a closed and lockedposition. A hook with a first size and an extension are provided. Theextension has a first end and a second end and a length, where thelength has a second size and where the second size of the length issmaller than the first size of the hook, where the first end isconnected with the container and the second end is connected with thehook and where the smaller second size of the length of the extensionfits between a space between the bottom of a first object and the top ofa second object but the first size of the hook is larger than the space.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern ways of shopping have changed dramatically. Instead of going to astore and bringing the package home, currently more and more stores aredelivering the packages to the home. This convenience ensures thepractice will continue, however it does raise significant securityissues and, in particular, the issue of packages being stolen off ofporches (“porch piracy”). This problem has become a very commonoccurrence, with ample coverage on both the news and Internet.

One solution would be for the homeowner to permanently secure a “lockbox” to his or her home. However, due to homeowner associationrestrictions lock boxes cannot be permanently mounted to front porches.The case may also be the same for certain condominiums and apartmentsper complex regulations. Further, such a permanent addition to a home islikely to be bothersome over time and not aesthetically pleasing.

Thus, there is a need in the art for an apparatus and method thataddresses the aforementioned problems in a manner that is robust andflexible so as to accommodate a full spectrum of residences and packageshapes and dimensions.

It therefore is an object of this invention to provide an improvedselectively securable container apparatus and method for ensuringagainst porch piracy that is easy to use and economical to install andoperate.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a selectively securable container apparatus and methodconsisting of a container with a lid where the container is sealed fromopening when the lid is in a closed and locked position. A hook with afirst size and an extension are provided. The extension has a first endand a second end and a length, where the length has a second size andwhere the second size of the length is smaller than the first size ofthe hook, where the first end is connected with the container and thesecond end is connected with the hook and where the smaller second sizeof the length of the extension fits between a space between the bottomof a first object and the top of a second object but the first size ofthe hook is larger than the space.

In one aspect, the first object is a door and the second object is adoorjamb.

In another aspect, the invention further includes a bracket connectedwith the container where the first end of the extension is connectedwith the bracket such that the first end is movable along the bracket.

In a further aspect, there is more than one extension and, in oneaspect, there are two extensions, with the first ends of the twoextensions connected with the container, and one hook where the one hookis connected to the second ends of both extensions.

In one aspect, the hook extends from and perpendicular to the second endof the extension such that the hook engages the second object.

In another aspect, the invention further includes a lock where the lockis removably connectable with the lid and container.

In one aspect, the invention further includes a portal through whichitems are introduced to the container and where the portal blocks itemswithin the container from being removed.

In a further aspect, the extension is metal flat stock material and thehook is angle steel.

According to another embodiment, a selectively securable containerapparatus consists of a container with a lid where the container issealed from opening when the lid is in a closed and locked position. Ahook with a first size. An extension with a first end and a second endand a length, where the length has a second size and where the secondsize of the length is smaller than the first size of the hook, where thefirst end is connected with the container and the second end isconnected with the hook such that when the length of the extension isplaced between a bottom of a door and a doorjamb, such that the hook ison one side of the door and the first end of the extension is on theother side of the door when the door is in a closed position with thebottom of the door over the top of the doorjamb, removal of the smallersecond size length of the extension is prevented by the larger firstsize of the hook.

In one aspect, the invention further includes a bracket connected withthe container where the first end of the extension is connected with thebracket such that the first end is movable along the bracket.

In a further aspect, there is more than one extension and, in oneaspect, there are two extensions, with the first ends of the twoextensions connected with the container, and one hook where the one hookis connected to the second ends of both extensions.

In one aspect, the hook extends from and perpendicular to the second endof the extension such that the hook engages the doorjamb.

In another aspect, the invention further includes a lock where the lockis removably connectable with the lid and container.

In one aspect, the invention further includes a portal through whichitems are introduced to the container and where the portal blocks itemswithin the container from being removed.

In a further aspect, the extension is metal flat stock material and thehook is angle steel.

According to another embodiment, a selectively securable containermethod consists of:

a. providing a container with a lid where the container is sealed fromopening when the lid is in a closed and locked position; a hook with afirst size; an extension with a first end and a second end and a length,where the length has a second size and where the second size of thelength is smaller than the first size of the hook, where the first endis connected with the container and the second end is connected with thehook such that when the length of the extension is placed between abottom of a door and a doorjamb, such that the hook is on one side ofthe door and the first end of the extension is on the other side of thedoor when the door is in a closed position with the bottom of the doorover the top of the doorjamb, removal of the smaller second size lengthof the extension is prevented by the larger first size of the hook; andb. placing the length of the extension over a doorjamb.

In one aspect there is more than one extension and, in another aspect.there are two extensions, with the first ends of the two extensionsconnected with the container, and one hook where the one hook isconnected to the second ends of both extensions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiment, the appended claims and the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the selectively securable container apparatusincluding the container, lid, lock, extension, bracket, and hook inplace behind a door,

FIG. 2 is a side view of the invention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the invention of FIG. 1 showing more than oneextension and hook combination connected with the container;

FIG. 4 is a back view of the invention of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a top view of the lid of the invention of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and to the arrangements of the componentsset forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced andcarried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the invention be regarded as including equivalentconstructions to those described herein insofar as they do not departfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention.

For example, the specific sequence of the described process may bealtered so that certain processes are conducted in parallel orindependent, with other processes, to the extent that the processes arenot dependent upon each other. Thus, the specific order of stepsdescribed herein is not to be considered implying a specific sequence ofsteps to perform the process. In alternative embodiments, one or moreprocess steps may be implemented by a user assisted process and/ormanually. Other alterations or modifications of the above processes arealso contemplated. For example, further insubstantial approximations ofthe process and/or algorithms are also considered within the scope ofthe processes described herein.

In addition, features illustrated or described as part of one embodimentcan be used on other embodiments to yield a still further embodiment.Additionally, certain features may be interchanged with similar devicesor features not mentioned yet which perform the same or similarfunctions. It is therefore intended that such modifications andvariations are included within the totality of the present invention.

It should also be noted that a plurality of hardware and software baseddevices, as well as a plurality of different structural components, maybe utilized to implement the invention. Furthermore, and as described insubsequent paragraphs, the specific configurations illustrated in thedrawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention and thatother alternative configurations are possible.

One embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by way of examplein FIGS. 1-5. Referring to FIG. 1, selectively securable containerapparatus and method 10 consists of a container 12 with a lid where thecontainer 12 is sealed from opening when the lid 14 is in a closed andlocked position. The locking of lid 14 to container 12 is preferably bymeans of a combination lock 16, as are known and not described morefully hereafter, yet lock 16 may be any locking device now known orhereafter developed suitable for the purposes of the invention.

A hook 18 with a first size is shown. Preferably, hook 18 is constructedof angle steel with one leg 20 and another leg 22 as will be describedmore fully hereafter.

Extension 24 has a first end 26 and a second end 28 and a length “L”,where the length “L” has a second size and where the second size of thelength “L” is smaller than the first size of the hook 18. As used hereinthe terms “first size” and “second size” are used in their common mannerto describe objects with different dimensions, length, width, height,and, as here, one size is bigger than the other as illustrated in theFigures. Preferably, extension 24 is constructed of metal, such asaluminum, flat stock (bar). Thus, the hook 18 can be seen to be onesize, one height, where extension 24 has another size, another height,as shown in FIG. 1. Extension 24 is preferably a flat material with asmall height and hook 24 extends above the height of extension 24 sothat, in that sense, when comparing one to the other, the first size ofhook 18 is larger than the second size of length “L” of extension 24.Certainly, extension 24 does not have to be “flat”, it could be a wire,round or otherwise, and still serve the same function for the inventionso long as it is smaller than the hook 18.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the first end 26 of extension 24 is connectedwith the container 12. Preferably, first end 26 is connected withcontainer 12 with a bracket 30 and bracket 30 is connected with thecontainer 12. By this structure, when the first end 26 of the extension24 is connected with the bracket 30, the first end 26 is movable up anddown the bracket 30. This allows the invention to accommodate elevationdifferences between the container and the threshold, for example only.Certainly, first end 26 of extension 24 can be connected directly tocontainer 12 if deemed more useful to the user's requirements.

The second end 28 of extension 24 is connected with the hook 18. FIG. 1illustrates that the structure of the present invention, where thesmaller second size of the length “L” of the extension 24 fits between aspace 32 between the bottom 34 of a first object 36, such as a door 38by way of example only and not by limitation, and the top 40 of a secondobject 42, such as a doorjamb (threshold) 44, but the first size of thehook 18 is larger than the space 32. As a result, once the door 28, forexample, is shut, hook 18 prevents extension 24 from being removed andextension 24 secures container 12 in place. It should be clear that thepresent invention works the same when the extension 24 is sandwichedbetween two objects, 36 and 38, that meet together in any other mannerthan top to bottom, such as side to side, for example only.

In one aspect, hook 18 is formed at an angle, as illustrated, such thatone leg 20 extends from, parallel to, the second end 28 of extension 24and the other leg 22 extends perpendicular to the second end 28 of theextension 24 such that the hook 18 engages with or catches on the secondobject 42 upon which it rests. That is, the downward facing leg 22catches on the door jamb 44 as shown and further prevents removal ofextension 24 from under the door and, thus, removal of container 12 andits contents.

Still referring to FIG. 1, in one aspect selectively securable containerapparatus and method includes a portal 46 through which items 48 areintroduced to the container 12. Portal 46 is an opening in container 12big enough to allow items to be introduced to container 12 but noteasily removed. That is, portal 46 may be too small for a person toreach into container 12 or may include a protective device such as aflap 50 as are found in postal boxes or in any manner such that theportal 46 blocks items 48 within the container 12 from being removed.Certainly, any combination of combination locks 16 and portals 46, orother means for providing controlled access to the contents withincontainer 12 is acceptable.

FIG. 2, is a side view of the invention of FIG. 1 and all theidentifying numbers used in FIG. 1 are carried over to FIGS. 2-5. FIGS.3 and 4 illustrate another aspect of the invention where there is morethan one extension 24 and, in a preferred aspect, there are twoextensions 24 with the first ends 26 of the two extensions 24 connectedwith the container 12. Again, the first ends 26 are preferably connectedwith brackets 30 connected to container 12. According to one aspect, onehook 18 is connected to the second ends 28 of both extensions 24. Asshown, hook 18 extends between and connects the separate second ends 28of both extensions 24. FIG. 5 shows the invention lid 14 in a top viewof the invention.

By way of further description, the device of the present invention isremovable in order to comply with residential restrictions and/orregulations as well as to make it so that the user can keep theinvention in case they relocate/move their residence. Accordingly, theapparatus of the present invention locks in place by use of a mechanismthat temporarily hooks on the threshold of a door that locks into placeonce the door is closed.

Applicant has tested the functionality of the box and hook mechanism.Preferably, the box/container has a hinged lid with a combination lockmounted to the top so that the delivery person can unlock the box, placethe packages safely inside and then relock the box. The hook mechanismon the back of the box by means of the bracket of the inventionpreferably provides six inches of space to travel, up and down, in orderto accommodate various slab and foundation heights from door tothreshold. When the box is put into place outside an open inwardswinging door, for example only and not by way of limitation, the hookend of the extension mechanism is dropped down and put in place over thethreshold of the open door and once the door is closed it secures thebox from being removed.

When the user wants to remove the box and store it until the next time apackage is expected and it is needed, the user simply lifts the hookmechanism up and folds it against the back of the box where preferably amagnet is mounted to hold the mechanism in place so that the extensionis secure and not swinging while moving the box.

In use, according to one embodiment and for example only and not bylimitation, the user of the invention provides their deliverycompany/personnel with specific information in their deliveryinstructions on placing the packages in the box/container includingtheir personalized combination to the lock. Such delivery instructionsare commonly provided and may include combinations and the like.Otherwise, a receiver portal or opening, as are commonly found on mailboxes, may be provided which allows insertion of items into the box butdoes not enable removal once inserted.

By way of continued description and details, the hooking mechanismpreferably is attached to the back of the box in a preferred embodimentby four drilled holes in which two twelve inch pieces of round stock,three inches of which are bent 90° on each end and threaded one inch.Two pieces of aluminum flat stock (bar) have a hole in the end of eachof them one-half inch from the sides and end where the round stock goesthrough them. Then the round stock is installed into the back of boxwhere the holes have been drilled. Nuts are then placed on the roundstock to hold it to the box.

On the end of the aluminum flat stock (bar) extension that goes over thethreshold of the inside of the door there are two holes drilled intoeach piece of aluminum flat stock (bar) one-half inch in from each side.A piece of angle steel has two holes drilled and tapped into the top ofeach side which is where the aluminum flat stock (bar) has screws goingthrough it and threading into the angle steel with one leg pointing downand the other leg pointing away from the box.

The description of the present embodiments of the invention has beenpresented for purposes of illustration, but is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art. As such, while the present invention has been disclosed inconnection with an embodiment thereof, it should be understood thatother embodiments may fall within the spirit and scope of the inventionas defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A selectively securable container apparatuscomprising: a. a container with a lid wherein the container is sealedfrom opening when the lid is in a closed and locked position; b. a hookwith a first size; c. an extension with a first end and a second end anda length, where the length has a second size and where the second sizeof the length is smaller than the first size of the hook, where thefirst end is connected with the container and the second end isconnected with the hook and wherein the smaller second size of thelength of the extension fits between a space between the bottom of afirst object and the top of a second object but the first size of thehook is larger than the space wherein said hook connects with saidsecond object; and d. a bracket connected with the container wherein thefirst end of the extension is connected with the bracket such that thefirst end is movable along the bracket such that container location isadjustable along said bracket without moving said extension.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the first object is a door and the secondobject is a door jamb.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein there is morethan one extension.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein there are twoextensions, with the first ends of the two extensions connected with thecontainer, and one hook where the one hook is connected to the secondends of both extensions.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hookextends from and perpendicular to the second end of the extension suchthat the hook engages the second object upon which it rests.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1 further including a lock where the lock isremovably connectable with the lid and container.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further including a portal through which items are introduced tothe container and wherein the portal blocks items within the containerfrom being removed.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 where the extension ismetal flat stock material and the hook is angle steel.
 9. A selectivelysecurable container apparatus comprising: a. a container with a lidwherein the container is sealed from opening when the lid is in a closedand locked position; b. a hook with a first size; and c. an extensionwith a first end and a second end and a length, where the length has asecond size and where the second size of the length is smaller than thefirst size of the hook, where the first end is connected with thecontainer and the second end is connected with the hook such that whenthe length of the extension is placed between a bottom of a door and adoor jamb, such that the hook is on one side of the door and the firstend of the extension is on the other side of the door when the door isin a closed position with the bottom of the door over the top of thedoorjamb, removal of the smaller second size length of the extension isprevented by the larger first size of the hook wherein said hookconnects with said door jamb while leaving the door free to open andclose.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 further including a bracketconnected with the container wherein the first end of the extension isconnected with the bracket such that the first end is movable along thebracket such that container location is adjustable along said bracketwithout moving said extension.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9 whereinthere is more than one extension.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9 whereinthere are two extensions, with the first ends of the two extensionsconnected with the container, and one hook where the one hook isconnected to the second ends of both extensions.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 9 wherein the hook extends from, and perpendicular to, the secondend of the extension such that the hook engages the doorjamb.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 9 further including lock where the lock is removablyconnectable with the lid and container.
 15. The apparatus of claim 9further including a portal through which items are introduced to thecontainer and wherein the portal blocks items within the container frombeing removed.
 16. The apparatus of claim 9 where the extension is metalflat stock material and the hook is angle steel.
 17. A selectivelysecurable container method comprising: a. providing a container with alid wherein the container is sealed from opening when the lid is in aclosed and locked position; a hook with a first size; an extension witha first end and a second end and a length, where the length has a secondsize and where the second size of the length is smaller than the firstsize of the hook, where the first end is connected with the containerand the second end is connected with the hook such that when the lengthof the extension is placed between a bottom of a door and a door jamb,such that the hook is on one side of the door and the first end of theextension is on the other side of the door when the door is in a closedposition with the bottom of the door over the top of the door jamb,removal of the smaller second size length of the extension is preventedby the larger first size of the hook wherein said hook connects withsaid door jamb while leaving the door free to open and close; and b.placing the length of the extension over a door jamb.
 18. The method ofclaim 17 where there is more than one extension.
 19. The method of claim17 wherein there are two extensions, with the first ends of the twoextensions connected with the container, and one hook where the one hookis connected to the second ends of both extensions.